The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall safeguard _________ of its residents in accordance with law.

The statement that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) shall safeguard the rights and freedoms of its residents in accordance with law is rooted in the Basic Law of Hong Kong, which enshrines civil liberties and human rights guarantees. These rights and freedoms are vital components of the legal framework governing the HKSAR under the "one country, two systems" principle established upon its handover from British rule to China.

Key aspects of these rights and freedoms include the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and the right to participate in political processes. The Basic Law aims to ensure that residents enjoy a high degree of autonomy and that these fundamental rights are protected by law.

The other concepts mentioned, such as the environment, culture, and economic interests, while important in their own right, do not form the core obligations set out in the Basic Law concerning the safeguarding of residents. The focus on rights and freedoms reflects an essential commitment to uphold the fundamental principles of justice, equity, and democracy, which are central to the governance of Hong Kong.